Are you addicted to stress?
| 2 min read
Demanding bosses, tight finances, a recent fight with your sister—with all the things going on in your life, it’s no wonder you might feel a bit stressed out from time to time. But the thing is, some people can actually find themselves becoming addicted to stress. It seems strange, but you can crave stress for the energy it provides, the distraction it brings from real issues and the validation it offers that you have important things going on in your life.
While a little bit of stress can be the exact motivator you need to accomplish something, too much every day can have a not-so-good impact on your body. Stress can show itself in many forms, including mental (feeling overwhelmed, constantly worrying), physical (rapid heartbeat, headaches) and even social (procrastinating, isolating yourself).That’s why it’s important to give your body and mind a chance to recover and keep stress from becoming too much of a consistent during your day.
So what should you do if are always stressed out? Here are some quick ways to lessen the load:
Take a few deep breaths. It’s amazing how just closing your eyes and inhaling three slow breaths can reset your mind.
Treat yourself. A warm shower, lavender lotion or cup of hot tea is sure to calm you down, removing the anxiety of the day.
Exercise. Kick those happy endorphins in to gear with a workout. From a brisk walk around the block to a kickboxing class, you’re sure to release some of those stressful thoughts from your mind.
Be creative. A creative outlet can help fill a void in your life as well as distract you from stressful things like work. Learn about other benefits of having a creative outlet here.
This blog post is part of #HealthyMe, a personalized web experience based on your health and wellness goals. To sign up today, visit https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/healthyme
Photo credit: AlisaRyan
